Everyone dreams of a perfect yard but some of us may overdo things and end up with the opposite – a cheap-looking yard.
Well, it’s not really about how much money you spend; expensive items may look really cheap if incorporated incorrectly.
In this article, I’ll show the most common mistakes that make your yard look cheap and give you some expert tips for getting a perfect yard design.
Let’s get started!
1. Not Planning Ahead
Some yard owners aren’t into planning anything related to design. Unfortunately, not having a plan for your future yard can result in a chaotic and visually unappealing display.
So, the first step is to make a plan that includes layouts, pathways, and focal points.
For example, if you opt for a luxurious yard, hardscape materials such as natural stones and pavers will help you achieve it.
Those who follow gardening trends may have heard of chaos gardening. This practice refers to making a sustainable garden that will attract wildlife and pollinators.
Raw textures and natural colors are just a few of the features of this way of gardening. When it comes to plant selection, chaos gardening is oriented towards growing native plants.
Lack of the principles of organization may lead to an unappealing yard and plants often get overcrowded.
Not incorporating focal points into your yard can make it look a bit dull. Pergolas, statues, and birdbaths are some of the features you can use to spice things up and make your yard stand out.
To put it simply, a yard should have a character, so using common plants isn’t generally recommended.
When planning your yard design, make sure to avoid invasive plants that spread aggressively because they’ll take over your yard.
2. Lack Of Personal Touch
There’s one thing I especially dislike about some yards: they look generic. A yard without an owner’s personal touch can look cheap no matter how much money you spend on it.
Think of your favorite colors and decide on just a few. Too many colors in a garden can look pretty uninviting. You can research online which colors go well together and stick to that color palette.
For instance, you can select blue flowers and combine them with bright pink or yellow features.
Finally, follow the rule we all should for various things: quality over quantity. Your main goal is to have a cohesive yard and too much of anything is, well, too much.
3. Choosing The Wrong Plants
I’m aware that many of you would like to put all the plants in your yard. While all plants look absolutely spectacular, some combinations simply don’t work.
If you don’t want to make your yard look cheap, you should strive for green and thick lawns, well-maintained flower beds, and mature trees.
You should consider combining plants for a year-round interest. Some plants, such as Beautyberry and Oakleaf hydrangeas, will provide you with breathtaking colors during their different growth stages.
Grouping plants is another great technique that can help you get a perfect yard.
You can also use vertical garden design, which is especially beneficial for those with smaller yards. This design may be a better choice than container gardening because it takes up less space and is easier to maintain.
Roses, camellias, peonies, and boxwood are some of the best plants for yards. On the other hand, plant species such as weeds or overgrown bushes may not be a good choice if you want a luxurious yard.
4. Using Concrete
One of the most common mistakes many yard owners make is using concrete. This material can change the appearance of your yard and I don’t mean in a good way. Greenery is often replaced by concrete because of maintenance.
It may be pretty hard to incorporate concrete, especially if your garden features a vivid color scheme.
Yards with too much concrete often look uninviting, so it’s better to avoid using this material. Natural materials such as stone and wood are excellent alternatives to concrete.
5. Poor Lawn Maintenance
Maintaining a lawn may not be the easiest thing to do but it pays off. Not mowing or fertilizing regularly may lead to an inviting yard.
Things get even worse if you don’t control weeds on your lawn. Regular pruning and cleaning are other chores you should incorporate into your to-do list.
If you don’t have enough time to care for your lawn, there are always professionals who can do the job for you. This is a more expensive version but, hey, anything for a perfect yard!
6. Lack Of Lighting
Another important thing to consider when creating a perfect yard is lighting. Placing lights all over your yard may have a bad effect on the overall appearance.
When added near some features or plants such as statues, pathways, and trees, atmospheric lighting can do wonders for your outdoor space.
7. Low-quality Furniture
Well, not all of us have enough money for expensive high-quality furniture. But it’s important to consider this as a long-term investment.
You should use high-quality materials for your garden furniture, plant pots, and lighting.
If you’re following the newest trends, you can choose metal as your main material. Water features and plant boxers made of this material look simply breathtaking.
It’s not uncommon for people to spend an equal amount of time indoors and in the yard. This means you should use a similar budget for indoor and outdoor furniture.
Tree houses make an excellent addition to yards, so you can have a luxurious yard and a perfect spot for your children.
Outdoor kitchens, patios, and decks are other fantastic options for a perfect yard.
8. Poor Water Feature Maintenance
Water features look absolutely stunning in any yard design. Fountains, ponds, and birdbaths can transform your outdoor space into a luxurious oasis.
However, if you don’t maintain them, or choose ones that aren’t compatible with other features in your yard, you can get an adverse effect.
So, plan carefully and maintain your water features regularly. Remember that they can support wildlife, pollinators, and beneficial insects!
We’ve revealed all the culprits for a cheap-looking yard! Follow our guidelines and make your yard the envy of the neighborhood!